Small Business Japan

02/08/2026

To the folks affected by the Kumamoto earthquake, and their friends:

If you've been affected by the 2026 , there's one thing you shouldn't put off: the Disaster Damage Certificate (罹災証明書). It's the basis for accessing relief payments, tax reductions and other support.

At Small Business Japan , we've put together a short guide on what it is and how to apply, plus volunteer support to help with the paperwork if you don't have a native Japanese speaker in the family.

Please give it a read, and share it with anyone who might need it.
https://www.small-business-japan.com/one-thing-to-take-care-of-after-a-disaster-the-risai-shomei-sho-disaster-damage-certificate-explained/

If you've been affected by the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, here's how to apply for a Disaster Damage Certificate, plus volunteer support.

09/06/2026

What does choosing a GK cost you? Japanese banks flag GKs before you even apply for an account. Here is what financial institutions are actually looking for. (Link in comments)

03/05/2026

If you've ever wondered what an employer is actually allowed to ask you — or what rights you have before your first day — this is for you.
We've just launched WorkSense, a free Q&A resource for foreign workers in Japan, verified by a licensed Social Insurance and Labor Consultant (社労士).

Our first set of questions covers labor contracts and hiring:

- Can I ask for the company's work rules after receiving a job offer?
- Is it legal to be asked about mental health history in an interview?
- Do I have to submit a photo with my resume?
etc.

*Note*: Alpha version. This is an early release. More detailed answers and additional question categories — including wages, dismissal, and workplace conditions — will be added regularly.

Sign up to be notified when new FAQs are published — and if there's a question you'd like us to cover, let us know. We can't promise to answer every question individually, but your input helps us decide what to tackle next.
https://www.small-business-japan.com/ #/portal/signup

Foreign workers in Japan often can't get straight answers about their employment rights. WorkSense covers the basics — verified by a licensed Social Insurance and Labour Consultant.

10/04/2026

❓Seishain, Keiyaku Shain, Haken Shain, or Gyomu Itaku❓
Navigating labour contracts in Japan can be confusing. Are you clear on the differences between these common types?
✅ Permanent Employment (正社員, Seishain)
✅ Contract Employment (契約社員, Keiyaku Shain)
✅ Temporary Dispatch (派遣社員, Haken Shain)
✅ Outsourcing (業務委託契約, Gyoumu Itaku)

To help you understand your options, we’re sharing an article written by Yumiko, the Publisher of Small Business Japan, for TokyoDev.

While TokyoDev’s audience is primarily in the tech community, these contract structures are common across almost all industries in Japan. We believe this guide will answer many of your questions, regardless of your field!

👇 Read the full article here:
https://www.tokyodev.com/articles/the-reality-of-labour-contracts-in-japan

Japanese business expert Yumiko Horie interviews an HR and Labour Law Specialist on what you need to know before signing an employment contract.

05/04/2026

Are you working in Japan and ever felt unsure about your rights? 🇯🇵💼

At Posse Nippon (the team behind Small Business Japan), our vision is simple: we want every international worker in Japan to fully realise their potential without being held back by workplace worries.

We know that finding clear, reliable legal information in Japan can be tough. That’s why we are currently developing a new app dedicated to answering those "simple but essential" questions about your labour rights and workplace environment. 📱✨

We’re building this to ensure you have the knowledge you need to stay safe and confident at work.
Follow us and stay tuned so you don’t miss out. 🚀

20/01/2026

Get your application documents professionally reviewed for a flawless submission. An experienced immigration lawyer, Tachikawa—previously featured on Small Business Japan—is offering a limited-time campaign specifically for reviewing your application documents.

✅ Service Details: Comprehensive review of your residence status application forms by a visa specialist. 💰 Fee: 22,000 yen per case. 📅 Availability: Valid until January 30th.

With extensive experience in Vietnamese applications and various other nationalities, Tachikawa-san provides expert legal guidance to secure your status.

📢 Communication Note: Please use Google Translate or ChatGPT to contact him if you prefer to communicate in English. He is an expert in visa law and is ready to assist you through these tools.

How to Apply: Contact him directly via his contact page https://kyokasyutoku.net/contact/

Featured article https://www.small-business-japan.com/your-employment-status-and-your-spouses-tax-records-for-pr-application/

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